Oxfordshire County Council has approved plans to bring in a temporary £5 daily congestion charge for drivers entering parts of Oxford. The scheme, agreed by the council’s cabinet earlier

today, is expected to generate around £3.2 million, which will be set aside specifically for transport improvements in the city.

The charge will apply to cars passing through six busy points in Oxford: Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement’s Street, Thames Street, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way. Cameras and road signs still need to be put in place, but the council is aiming to have the system up and running by 10 November.

Some exemptions will be available. Carers, traders, blue badge holders and people living or working in central Oxford will be able to apply for permits.

Councillor Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport, admitted the policy isn’t a “magic fix” but said it would deliver “very significant benefits,” including cutting congestion, supporting the rollout of 159 new electric buses in Oxford and helping reduce emissions.

The scheme has been introduced in response to ongoing traffic problems caused by the long-term closure of Botley Road, which has delayed other traffic filter measures the council had planned.

However, not everyone is on board. Critics have raised concerns about whether Oxford’s park-and-ride system can cope with the extra demand, as well as the potential impact on local businesses—particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

Campaign group Open Roads for Oxford has already vowed to challenge the decision in court. Its chair, Paul Major, accused the council of ignoring feedback:

"The Council are simply not listening to the very real and evidence-based concerns being raised, not only through their consultation, but also by people and groups who have raised their concerns at council meetings. This is simply not acceptable." Photo by Richard Kelly, Wikimedia commons.